3. Physiology
        3.8. Maternal and foetal
            3.8.2. Maternal
3.8.2.7. Renal changes in pregnancy

Renal changes in pregnancy

[Ref: PK1:p351-352]

Anatomical changes

Obstruction of urine flow by gravid uterus or dilated ovarian plexuses

--> Progressive dilatation of the renal pelvis, calyces, and ureters from the 2nd or 3rd months of pregnancy

GFR and RPF

GFR and RPF increase by 50% during 1st trimester
* Due to increased cardiac output
* Urea and creatinine falls in the first 2 trimesters

Glycosuria

Glycosuria is common

Due to

Proteinuria

Proteinuria is present in 20%

May be due to increased renal venous pressure



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